The SBI PO (Probationary Officer) exam is one of India’s most competitive banking recruitment exams. It’s conducted annually by the State Bank of India to hire management trainees or probationary officers for branches across the country.
The role of the Main exam in the selection process
The exam structure is typically three phases:
- Prelims – screening test
- Main – deeper assessment (objective + descriptive)
- Phase III – interview, group exercise, psychometric test
While clearing the Prelims is necessary, the Main exam is often the most critical hurdle—it carries heavier weight and can make or break your chances of moving to the final stage.
Key Announcement: SBI PO Main Exam Date 2025
Confirmed date & source
According to multiple credible exam portals, SBI PO Main exam 2025 is scheduled for 13 September 2025.
This appears in the official calendar released earlier and has been widely reported across trusted educational platforms.
How this fits within the overall exam calendar
Prelims exams were held in early August 2025.
The gap between Prelims results and Main gives candidates time for focused revision and adjustment.
Following Main, the final selection phases (interview, group exercise) are expected in October–November 2025.
So, if your aim is to clear Main, you effectively have a narrow window now — use it wisely.
Official Notification & Admit Card Release
When and where the notification came
The official SBI PO 2025 notification was published (under Advt. CRPD/PO/2025-26/04) earlier this year, detailing the exam structure, eligibility, vacancies etc.
The main exam date was later confirmed via an official calendar or notice.
Admit card issuance timeline
The Main exam admit card is expected to be released about a week before the exam — typically in early September 2025.
Candidates who clear the Prelims must log into SBI’s careers portal and download it using their registration credentials.
Prelims to Main: Timeline of Events
Prelims exam dates & result
Prelims were conducted on 4th & 5th August 2025.
The Prelims result was declared on 1 September 2025.
Interval between phases
This roughly leaves a window of 10–12 days between result declaration and the Main exam — a tight timeframe to ramp up focused revision.
Main → Interview phase sequencing
Post Main, candidates are shortlisted for Phase III comprising psychometric tests, group exercise, and interview. Expect that window in October–November 2025.
The final result and joining formalities likely conclude by December 2025.
Exam Pattern & Changes (if any)
Objective + descriptive components of Main
The Main exam consists of an objective test (typically multiple choice questions) + a descriptive test (writing tasks).
The objective test covers Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Banking Awareness, English.
The descriptive test usually involves Email, Report, or either Situation Analysis / Precis writing.
Sectional cutoffs, negative marking
In the Main exam, sectional cutoffs are often enforced along with an overall aggregate cutoff.
Negative marking is common—typically ¼ penalty for wrong answers in the objective portion.
Important Dates to Watch
| Event | Date / Timeline |
| Main Exam Day | 13 September 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Early September 2025 |
| Main Result | September / October 2025 window |
| Phase III (Interview / GE) | October – November 2025 |
| Final Results / Joining | November – December 2025 |
Make sure to keep these dates handy and monitor official channels closely.
How to Download Admit Card & Hall Ticket Tips
Step-by-step process
Visit the official SBI careers / recruitment portal.
Log in using your Registration Number / Roll Number and Password / Date of Birth.
Navigate to “SBI PO 2025 → Admit Card / Hall Ticket – Main” section.
Download the PDF, check details (name, exam center, timings).
Print multiple copies to carry to the exam center.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using a wrong login portal or entering incorrect credentials
Ignoring the “latest corrigendum” or announcements
Waiting till the last day (server crashes)
Not verifying exam slot, reporting time, or exam center address
Failing to carry a valid photo ID along with the admit card
How to Check Result & Scorecard
Official site procedures
After results are live, visit SBI’s official website → Careers → Recruitment section.
Look for “SBI PO Main 2025 Result / Scorecard” link.
Enter credentials and view/download the PDF or your personal scorecard.
Save a soft copy and a printed copy for future reference.
Understanding marks & cutoffs
The scorecard will display section-wise and overall marks.
Compare your score against category-wise cutoffs to see qualification status.
Note whether sectional or overall cutoffs held more weight.
Selection Process: From Main to Final
Psychometric / Personality Test
Before the interview, some candidates will undergo a psychometric test to evaluate personality traits, behavioral tendencies, and situational judgment.
Group Exercise & Interview
Group Exercise (GE): Typically evaluates teamwork, problem-solving, communication.
Personal Interview: Tests depth of knowledge, general awareness, motivation, banking aptitude.
Weightage & normalization
The Main exam score is often normalized (if multiple shifts) and combined with scores from Phase III.
Final merit is decided based on a fixed weightage split between Main and Phase III.
Preparation Strategy Based on the New Date
Time management tips
Divide your remaining time into revision, mock tests, and weak-area strengthening
Keep daily goals—e.g. one full test + topic review + quick current affairs
Subject-wise priorities
Reasoning & Data Interpretation: practice sets with varying difficulty
Banking Awareness & Economy: focus on current updates, RBI policies
English: reading, vocabulary, and descriptive writing practice
Speed + accuracy over brute coverage
Conclusion
The announcement of the SBI PO Main exam date 2025 for 13 September 2025 gives clarity—and a renewed sense of urgency—to aspirants. With this timeline now confirmed, your success will depend heavily on efficient planning, consistent practice, and staying alert to any changes. Use the confirmed schedule as your guide, push your preparation into high gear, and remain adaptable.
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